"Return to Fantasy" is a renowned album by the British rock band Uriah Heep. Released in June 1975, it is the eighth studio album from the band and marks the final Heep album to feature bassist Gary Thain. The title track and "Prima Donna" were released as singles in the UK.
The album was recorded at Lansdowne and Morgan Studios in London, England. The album was a commercial success, reaching 7th place in the UK Albums Chart and 33rd place in the US Albums Chart. Producer Gerry Bron attempted to create a record featuring a blend of progressive rock and hard rock, giving a more commercial approach due to the popularity of the band in the United States.
The album witnessed a shift in musical direction. It had a lighter and more easy-to-listen to feel with several promising tracks, and was noticeably less heavy metal and more commercial in nature. The album cover, displaying a man transforming into a bird, was created by British art design group Hipgnosis.
In brief, Return to Fantasy stands as a high-point in Uriah Heep's lengthy and illustrious career, featuring a blend of their trademark hard rock sound with progressive elements, delivering classics such as "Return to Fantasy" and "Shady Lady". The album showcases the band's ability to effectively merge heavy guitar elements with keyboards and harmonies.
